The Last Man on Earth (1964)/Unearthly Stranger (1963) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Last Man on Earth" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest. "The Unearthly Stranger" (1963) was the second feature.

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The Last Man on Earth (1964)
“The Last Man on Earth” is a 1964 post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film that tells the chilling tale of Dr. Robert Morgan, portrayed by Vincent Price. In this bleak vision of the future, a devastating plague has swept across the planet, leaving Dr. Morgan as the sole survivor due to a mysterious immunity he acquired years prior. By day, he fortifies his home and hunts the vampiric beings that the plague’s victims have become, while by night, he endures the relentless assault of these creatures.

Haunted by the loss of his wife and daughter to the plague, Morgan’s existence is a lonely vigil of survival. His days are a repetitive grind of seeking out the undead to destroy them and burning their bodies to prevent their return. The film delves into Morgan’s past, revealing the onset of the plague and the tragic fate of his family, providing a poignant backdrop to his solitary struggle.

As the last man on Earth, Morgan’s life is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, even as he faces the horrors of a world overrun by the undead. The film explores themes of isolation, loss, and the fight to retain one's humanity in the face of overwhelming despair.
Directors: Ubaldo Ragona, Sidney Salkow
Writers: Richard Matheson, William F. Leicester, Furio M. Monetti
Stars: Vincent Price, Franca Bettoia, Emma Danieli
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Unearthly Stranger (1963)
“Unearthly Stranger” is a 1963 British science fiction film that delves into the enigmatic world of Dr. Mark Davidson, a scientist working on a groundbreaking spaceflight project. His life takes an unexpected turn when he marries Julie, a woman with an array of peculiarities that defy human norms. As the story unfolds, Dr. Davidson and his colleagues grapple with the implications of Julie’s mysterious past and her extraordinary traits, which raise suspicions and intrigue.

The film is a suspenseful exploration of the unknown, blending elements of mystery and romance with the tension of Cold War-era espionage. It challenges the characters—and the audience—to question the nature of identity and the boundaries of love and trust in a world where not everything is as it seems. “Unearthly Stranger” captivates with its atmospheric tension and thought-provoking narrative, all while maintaining a veil of secrecy that leaves viewers pondering long after the credits roll.
Director: John Krish
Writers: Rex Carlton, Jeffrey Stone
Stars: John Neville, Philip Stone, Gabriella Licudi

June 10, 1964 ad (Portland)